Although the chapter focuses on DESIRE, I think this is one of the most important paragraphs in the entire chapter:
When the opportunity came, it appeared in a different form, and from a different direction than Barnes had expected. That is one of the tricks of opportunity. It has a sly habit of slipping in by the back door, and often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat. Perhaps this is why so many fail to recognize opportunity.
Many times I have found myself pining away at something I was hoping to achieve and then later on, discovered I had missed out on an awesome opportunity simply because I was so focussed on what I thought was the right opportunity for me.
Just like there is a saying about "500 batter misses half his swings" - this idea is important also:
Before success comes in any man's life, he is sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and, perhaps, some failure. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and most logical thing to do is to QUIT. That is exactly what the majority of men do.
More than five hundred of the most successful men this country has ever known, told the author their greatest success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them. Failure is a trickster with a keen sense of irony and cunning. It takes great delight in tripping one when success is almost within reach.
I have met many people who tried something and then were discouraged. They took it as not that "the planets were better aligned" or "someone had better prepared themselves" but that the defeated were themselves unworthy or unable to snatch victory from defeat. This is an untruth!
I think "Forrest Gump" was an important story in that - he kept on trying - living his life - learning - exploring - DOING. And what happened - ended up with the girl of his dreams (though not a perfect ending) - a child who was "normal" - and spitting wealthy because he had a good friend he wouldn't give up on (and it was his friend, Lt. Dan, who made him rich.)
Back to the book though, the person exampled LEARNED from his mistake (Darby) and went on in another opportunity becoming successful in that manner.
I think this is important also:
They sold the machinery to a junk man for a few hundred dollars, and took the train back home. Some "junk" men are dumb, but not this one! He called in a mining engineer to look at the mine and do a little calculating.
The engineer advised that the project had failed, because the owners were not familiar with "fault lines." His calculations showed that the vein would be found JUST THREE FEET FROM WHERE THE DARBYS HAD STOPPED DRILLING! That is exactly where it was found!
A lot of us surround ourselves with fucking idiots. I know I have and I paid a heavy price. People always say "Choose your friends wisely." This "junk man" knew he should find a smart person who knew his stuff in regard to potential opportunity.
It also says a little bit about knowledge and how valuable it can be. Before the stupid games like Trivial Pursuit filled our heads with "junk facts" and the pursuit of "junk facts" (like who is Paris Hilton dating this week or sitting in front of the TV) - we focused on knowing the world and knowing things about the world that can better our lot in life. Better food, housing, and healthcare were the goals - not a subscription to US Magazine.
Another important thing to focus on are these sentences:
Success comes to those who become SUCCESS CONSCIOUS.
Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become FAILURE CONSCIOUS.
Another weakness found in altogether too many people, is the habit of measuring everything, and everyone, by their own impressions and beliefs. Some who will read this, will believe that no one can THINK AND GROW RICH. They cannot think in terms of riches, because their thought habits have been steeped in poverty, want, misery, failure, and defeat.
In order to be successful, we may need to shake off some baggage we are carrying on our own shoulders. We should recognize that baggage is there - deal with it - and if we are lucky enough - put it down so we can walk upright and quickly to the next thing in our lives.
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